Broadcast News

BIG TIME PICTURES COMPLETE NORTEL PROJECT

ANIMATION and multimedia production house, Big Time Pictures, have recently completed work on a CD-ROM project for telecoms giant Nortel Networks.
Big Time Pictures were commissioned to design and produce a sophisticated interactive CD-ROM to explain the workings of state-of-the-art ‘Internet Data Centre’. The CD-ROM stars ‘Nadya’, a 3D computer animated ‘virtual tour guide’.
The project is the culmination of six months work and features almost 40 minutes of computer animation as well as the voice of Radio One DJ, Sarah HB as ‘Nadya’.
Tony Allen, Producer, said: “The concept was for a presenter-led production with a twist. However clever the technology, racks of computers really aren’t all that sexy, so we proposed a ‘sci-fi, video-game’ treatment using a 3D animated presenter. ‘Nadya’ is our take on ‘Lara Croft’ type character. But instead of weapons, she has a personal data device tucked in their belt.”
The ‘video-game’ concept is carried through to the packaging, with the CD-ROM being bundled with a ‘Nadya’ branded mouse and also life-size promotional cut outs.
The initial character design was by Big Time Pictures’ partner Rebecca Allen, with 3D modelling by Ludovik Boden. ‘Nadya’ was then animated in Discreet Max and Character Studio by Sagar Rathod, making extensive use of Ventriloquist for lip-synched speech.
The 3D environments and props were built by Keith Bendel and Pietro Lantroa from designs and storyboards by Tony Allen and Tim Gravestock.
The 3D scenes were intercut with live action and multi-layer graphics, composited in Digital Fusion.
The edited sequences were then output as QuickTime video for inclusion in the final CD-ROM application, which was authored by Steven Knight using Macromedia Director. (CD)